Outdoor Activities

A downhill ride in uniquely designed snow tubes is what snow tubing is all about. PolarWave Snowtubing Park arranges for such snow tubing events, complete with music and refreshments. You can make group as well as individual reservations to enjoy this fun trip down the 'chutes'. The park organizes holiday parties, reunions, corporate events as well as parties for senior citizens. Call for snow tubing hours as they vary according to weather conditions.

This 431-acre park is located on land that once was owned by the county "poor house" in the late 1800s. It is the first and oldest county forest in the state. The park has gently rolling hills and five small ponds. There are six miles of trails that can be used for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are also snowmobile trails. The trail system also has Braille and large-print signs. The interpretive center has many hands-on exhibits for children. Other park amenities include picnic tables, grills, horseshoe pits, volleyball nets, playground equipment and baseball fields. - Christine A. Smyczynski

This 20,000-seat performing arts center in the Darien Lake entertainment complex attracts national and international acts for both Canadians as well as Yanks. For those intending to catch a concert, the complex has its own hotel — the Lodge on the Lake — as well as several restaurants and places to grab a drink. Check website for complete calendar of their summer concert series and for other information.

This 11,000-acre wildlife refuge, which is situated in both Genesee and Orleans Counties, is the largest wildlife refuge in New York State. Known locally as the "Alabama Swamps" because it's located within the town of Alabama, it has wooded swamps, marshland, pastures, and cropland. It is a sanctuary for migrating waterfowl and home to 10 different species of duck, as well as fox and deer. There are three nature trails, along with four overlooks. In the winter the trails can be used for cross-country skiing. Fishing is also permitted on the refuge; catch northern pike, blue gill, yellow perch, white perch and carp, to name a few. - Christine A. Smyczynski

The Merle family has been producing maple products for over 100 years. With 16,000 taps they are one of the top ten producers in New York State. In addition to syrup they make a variety of maple products including maple cream, maple mustard, maple sugar and maple candy. They have won top prizes at the state fair several years in a row. While the farm is open for sales year-round, the best time to visit is during Maple Weekend in March. During this event they offer tours of the sugaring house, horse-drawn wagon rides, kid's activities and product samples.

The Great Pumpkin Farm is a lovely way to celebrate autumn in Western New York. It is the place to find all your fall decorating needs, including hay bales, corn stalks and of course, pumpkins. They have thousands of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, from tiny gourds to huge hundred-pounders. In addition, you can get apples and fresh squeezed cider. There are a variety of activities including pony rides, a corn maze, live entertainment, tractor-drawn hay rides, face paining and more. Special opening festivals include the Oinktoberfest BBQ cook-off and the World Pumpkin Weigh-off. - Christine Smyczynski

The Wyoming County International Speedway is a popular racing track and has been serving racing enthusiasts since 1959. Apart from racing competitions, it also hosts benefit races that assist charitable organizations. For event updates, check website.